ANGUILLA--In the Long Jump competition at the Commonwealth Games currently being held in the Gold Coast of Australia, Shara Proctor won a bronze medal for the English team. Shara is from Anguilla but competes for England as Anguilla does not have status for Olympics. However, Anguillians still recognise her as an Anguillian and are proud of her achievements.
Congratulations were extended from Governor Tim Foy and Chief Minister Victor Banks and many others on this outstanding achievement as well as congratulations to all the Anguillian competitors. Banks said, “On behalf of myself and the people of Anguilla, I want to congratulate Zharnel Swift Hughes, Shara Proctor and all of the other Athletes coming out of Anguilla. You honoured our island with your performances in Australia at the Commonwealth Games. We are extremely proud of your continued commitment to excellence and hard work.”
On winning the bronze Shara said, “I am a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and I say this proudly! Four years ago I limped off the track in defeat. This time around I was successful. I’m truly grateful and blessed. There’s more to come. Thanks for the amazing support throughout this journey.”
It would have been a great day for Anguilla with news originally that Zharnel Hughes of Anguilla, also competing for England, had won a gold medal. He had won the 200 metre men’s race ahead of Jereem Richards of Trinidad and Tobago in a photo finish. However, later he was disqualified as officials ruled that he made contact with the Trinidad and Tobago runner at the tape. Hughes was doing a lap of honour with the English flag draped across his shoulders before he was told the shattering news.
